Endangered jewels: The rarest animals of North Africa

North Africa is a land of stark contrasts, from the windswept Sahara desert to the lush Mediterranean coastline. This diversity of habitats is home to a wide variety of animals, including many rare and endangered species.

The Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) is a primate found only in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria. It is the only wild monkey species in Europe classified by the IUCN as endangered. The Barbary macaque is threatened by habitat loss, hunting and the illegal pet trade.

The Sahara cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus hecki) is a subspecies of cheetah that once roamed the Sahara desert. It is now extinct in the wild, with the last confirmed sighting occurring in 1926. The Saharan cheetah has been hunted to extinction for its fur and meat, and its habitat has been destroyed by human activity.

The scimitar oryx (Oryx dammah) is an antelope that once lived in the Sahara and Sahel regions of North Africa. It is now extinct in the wild, the last confirmed sighting was in 1962. The scimitar oryx has been hunted to extinction for its meat and horns, and its habitat has been destroyed by human activity.

The gazelle (Nanger dama) is a gazelle that once lived in the Sahara and Sahel regions of North Africa. It is now endangered, with only a few hundred individuals left in the wild. The gazelle is threatened by habitat loss, hunting and competition from livestock.

The Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is a vulture that once lived throughout North Africa. It is now endangered, with only a few hundred individuals left in the wild. The Egyptian vulture is at risk from lead ammunition poisoning, habitat loss, and electrocution from power lines.

The monk seal (Monachus monachus) is a seal that once lived throughout the Mediterranean Sea. It is now endangered, with only a few hundred individuals left in the wild. The monk seal is threatened by habitat loss, hunting and entanglement in fishing gear.

Specialists are working to save these and other rare and endangered animals of North Africa. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, captive breeding programs, and public education. However, much more needs to be done to prevent the extinction of these species.

How can you help?

Support conservation organizations working to protect rare and endangered animals.

Donate to conservation funds.

Spread the word about the fate of rare and endangered animals.

Choose products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Reduce your carbon footprint.

Lead a more ecological way of life.

Every little bit helps. By taking action, we can help protect North Africa's endangered jewels.